2782. But that these words are so difficult to understand makes me sad at the changes of the times. At that time, when Abraham, Isaac and Jacob lived, they were so easy that everyone understood. Therefore such an utterance by them was ceremonious - by them, that is, who were led by God the Messiah and spoke as His mouth.

[See WE 2798-2805, explaining Gen. 48:8-10.] 2806. Here, because God the Messiah had spoken through the mouth of Jacob, who was therefore called "Israel," he could not help but love them and bear witness to his love by kisses and embraces, which are the effects of love in a human being. For when God the Messiah speaks through anyone, and sees those whom He loves, then that very person himself displays this by kissing and embracing them, these being the bodily effects that necessarily follow the feeling of love. I can certainly affirm that this is true,